Neurological assessment in a group of preschool children with iron defficiency anaemia.
Year: 2009
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Iron deficiency anemia has detrimental effects on the normal growth and psychomotor development of children. Objectives: The present study was meant to assess the neurophysiologic effects of iron deficiency anemia in children aged 2-5y. Methods: Cross-sectional case- control study was conducted on a random sample of 30 children diagnosed to have iron deficiency anemia (IDA) compared to matched controls. Both groups were subjected to laboratory investigation of IDA by complete blood picture, serum iron, TIBC, transferrin saturation and serum ferritin. IQ assessment was done using the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale - Version IV, in addition to auditory brainstem response (ABR) and EEG tracing. Results: IQ scoring was significantly lower in the patients' group compared to the controls with significant linear correlation with Hb level. ABR latencies and interpeak latencies (IPLs) were significantly prolonged and the amplitudes were significantly lower in the patients' group compared to the controls. EEG showed that the anemic group has focal changes with a higher risk for epilepsy. Conclusion: IDA is a systemic disease, affecting multiple systems and affects both growth and development in children, manifested on intellectual functions, auditory brainstem response and EEG that justify the necessity for early detection treatment and prevention of IDA in infancy and childhood.
Language: English
Subfield: Hematology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W972234333